In a world of James Acaster’s, be like Ed Gamble.
We realise this is a controversial statement, and though not intended to pit the beloved co-hosts of Off Menu against one another, we understand that it likely will. If deliberating the inherently subjective nature of taste isn’t the aim of the game over on the podcast, we don’t know what is. So, here’s our two cents.
James is a self-declared sweet tooth, while Ed has mentioned many times that he eagerly awaits the arrival of a cheese board at the end of a lavish meal. And why wouldn’t he? Far superior in a myriad of ways ranging from taste, experience and sociability to wine pairing, presentation and the neutralisation of post-dinner acidity – only a sugar-crazed hooligan such as Acaster would lose their mind screaming and threatening violence at any mention of a cheese board.
This is all in good jest, for we value Acaster’s brilliant comedic presence and other artistic pursuits. But he doesn’t know cheese like we do, or like Ed does. A symbol of pure luxury, there’s nothing quite like witnessing the shining beacon of post-meal delight as it is ferried over toward the table, ruby red grapes glistening under candlelight, an array of crackers delicately fanned out for the most particular patrons, chilli jams and chutneys holding their gelatinous forms, ready to serve as complimentary taste bud pleasers.
When you’re full, but not quite ready to go home, the humble cheese board serves as a symbol of merry chatter and delectable nibbles. What’s more, the combination possibilities are almost endless. From dark chocolate and cherries to toasted pistachios and pears – there are plenty of ways to end on a sweet note while enjoying the acidity-cutting benefits of post-dinner cheese.
Likewise, when hosting dinner parties at home, having each of your guests arrive with their choice of cheese or chutney is not only a marvellous way to ensure your dessert course is sorted and fuss-free but also opens up the potential to try new and exciting products that you’ve never experienced before. Allow a fellow turophile to get creative, and rest assured they’ll turn up with so much more than a smashing Sauvignon and a blooming Blue.
If, like us, you remain devoted to the cheesy lifestyle, keep scrolling for the best cheese subscription services available in the UK – so you’ll never run dry on rind-based or spreadable delights ever again whether you’re hosting or not.
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Abel & Cole Organic Monthly Cheese Club
One of the better value cheese club subscriptions we’ve come across, and certifiably organic at that, you’d be remiss not to try Abel & Cole’s delectable quartet of artisan cheeses complete with tasting notes.
From £17.50 per month.
Buy now, Abel & Cole
Pong Cheese Club
With extra points for a giggle-inducing name and an affordable monthly price point, what sets Pong Cheese Club apart from the rest is their dedicated promise to not include the same cheese twice over an entire one-year period. You’ll also get inherently complimentary cheeses to make the perfect, ready-to-serve, varied board. Plus, you can use code CLUB50 for an impressive 50 per cent off your first box. Ca-ching.
From £24 per month.
Buy now £24.00, Pong
The Fine Cheese Company Subscription
With a minimum three-month subscription at just over £100, it’s safe to say that you can expect pure luxury from The Fine Cheese Company. Inclusive of four hand-selected cheeses, tasting notes and a cheese card guide designed to help you become a true connoisseur, you can choose specific months that you’d like to receive your box – so you can time it with that particular upcoming dinner party. Unlike some monthly boxes, this one also comes with crackers.
From £108 for three months.
Buy now, The Fine Cheese Company
Paxton & Whitfield Cheese Club
Bouji cheese is but a click away at Paxton & Whitfield’s Cheese Club, which offers a gorgeously presented curation of the finest curds going. A monthly box contains four artisan cheeses from all over the world, delivered on the second Thursday of every month.
With a history stretching back more than 200 years, there’s not much this cheesemonger doesn’t know about its produce. Expect nothing but the best.
From £120 for three months.
Buy now, Paxton & Whitfield
The Cheese Society Subscription Club
Ranging from four to six cheeses in each delectable monthly box, The Cheese Society specialises in hand-picked, unique and seasonal cheeses – offering turophiles the opportunity to try unusual artisan farmhouse cheeses.
Lovers of exclusivity rejoice, for the cheeses chosen for your monthly box are not available for individual purchase. Though not included in your order, you can easily pop some delicious sourdough crackers onto your order.
From £38 a month.
Buy now, The Cheese Society
Neal’s Yard Dairy Cheese Subscription
Indulge in the artisan wonders of Neal’s Yard Dairy on a monthly basis thanks to the introduction of a wonderful subscription scheme. With delivery and intricate tasting notes included, each cheese is matured and hand-selected by the company’s team in London and delivered to your door in environmentally friendly insulated packaging. For true cheese obsessives, you can also join live, monthly virtual tastings with your subscription.
From £47 for three months.
Buy now £47.00, Neal’s Yard Dairy
